Installing a bigger door in stone house.

[Toshak]

Hi,

Can anyone guide me as to the best and safest method of opening a bigger space to install a bigger door frame in an old stone house.

I have an idea how to go about this using accrow props etc, but would really like some specifice and clear cut advice.

Thanks

Toshak

 

[middi]

Hi Toshak, it is a bit difficult to give concise and clear cut advise as every door way has it's own particular stress characteristics above the entrance.

A picture would help, also, whilst a bigger doorway maybe exactly what you need have you given consideration as to how it would affect the building historically or if permission is required.

 

[Lime]

Before I even contemplated it I would have to know:-
Is there a lintel or an arch?
If there is, how far does it extend into the wall?

 

[Moo]

I'm assuming there are no planning issues involved here. It might be worth checking, just in case.

 

[geoff]

Easiest way is to get a builder to do it..... I had both front and rear doors raised in height on my stone built house - it has 2 ft thick rubble stone walls. There is a knack in doing it - I think they basically left the old lintels in for some support and knocked holes through above where the new lintels were to go, putting acros both sides of the doorway to prop up through timbers to support the walls above in strategic places. That's where the knack is - getting the support under the right stones in the right places, whilst still giving enough access. Then they could knock out the old lintels and the stone up to the supports and put stone in to build up to the new 'socket' where the new lintels should be. Then they could fit the new lintels at the higher level and remove the supports one at a time and in fill the holes. I think that's how they did it, and I would still leave it to them if I ever needed it doing again.

 

[Nemesis]

If this is a period building, do consider carefully before making radical changes which may destroy part of its charm and character.